Let us take LZR Racer Elite for example. This suit is made of high-density microfiber and lined with polyurethane panels. This combination of materials shows very good performance and is contributing to a rash of World Records being set by athletes wearing them. The polyurethane panels that act like a girdle to streamline the athletes’ bodies also needed to be reshaped, so that the girdle structure wasn’t too far up the rib cage, therefore inhibiting athletes' breathing process. Wearing this suit makes the cells in the body absorb oxygen at a faster rate.
On the other hand, this suit, which had already been given a green light for use at the latest Olympic Games, has caused plenty of protests from several other manufacturers and many athletes, who claim that it represents an extreme case of unfair advantage for other athletes. Some say that the technology isn’t everything. But when you put two equally capable athletes to race against each other, the difference between 1st and 2nd place will probably be determined by what swimsuit they are wearing. But is this really the truth?
Just remember what happened at the Beijing Olympics when the greatest rivalry in swimming took place, Michael Phelps vs Milorad Cavic. In that race, Serbian swimmer led American for 99.99 meters before a half-stroke finish from Michael Phelps gave him a stunning, narrow victory and earned him a record-tying 7th shiny gold medal. The fact is that Serbian swimmer wore Arena X-Glide (this suit is constructed completely of polyurethane) and Michael Phelps wore Speedo LZR Leggings. And American swimmer out-touched him! The LZR Racer once again appeared superior to any other suit. But is it the athlete or the gear?!
For those who watched the 13th FINA World Championship that took place in Rome, the phrase fully polyurethane body suit is definitely still ringing in your ears. The revolutionary 100 percent polyurethane body swimsuits caused a lot of controversy, since there were 43 world records broken in the eight day championship.
Of course, not all of the 43 world records were broken by athletes in all fully polyurethane body suits. American swimmers Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte, and a Zimbabwean swimmer Kirsty Coventry were the most notable exceptions, since they all chose to put their trust into LZR swimsuits that, just one year ago at the Beijing Olympics, were considered the best in swimwear industry. Not that the LZR Racer was totally innocent, however it was made only with a several patches of this obviously controversial fabric - polyurethane. And what was the final result? Sophisticated competitive swimwear has dominated conversation and the medal podium once again.
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